Pierre Sonier Award

Pierre was passionate about the importance of coaching, so annually I (Barb Sonier) present this Coach of the Year Award in his name, not only to honour him but also to honour all of the coaches who commit their time and energy to the athletes. After all, without them, there would be no hockey opportunities for kids.

Pierre was an accomplished athlete who played college basketball among other sports. He was a good coach but an even better person. He was extremely dedicated and coached hockey, basketball, and soccer all year, every year. Despite life’s challenges, Pierre persevered, went to college, and became Director of Quintin Warner House, a recovery program for men addicted to alcohol and other drugs. Sports gave him the confidence to take a positive path in life.

As a result, Pierre felt it was important to give back to the community. At the time of his death at 44, we had four children ages 3, 9, 12, and 15. He was coaching our 9-year-old, Johnny, in the major atom division, but he was also coaching Johnny and my two girls in other sports. Pierre was very competitive, but he knew that he had a responsibility much larger than winning — that being to teach kids about sports with the hope that they too would develop a love for the game, form friendships, gain life skills, and stay off the streets and safe.

Pierre Sonier Coach of the Year Award

This award honours coaches who exemplify integrity, achievement, and a continual quest for excellence from themselves and their athletes. It is awarded to coaches who inspire young people to improve themselves in all aspects of life. It honours the type of coach an athlete can recall years later and say, "I'm glad to have played for this person."

Criteria for the Award

• The award must go to a head coach (not an assistant coach).
• They must have at least two years of coaching experience.
• We try not to give the award to the same person more than once.

Past Award Winners

• 2019 - Chris Ferguson
• 2020 - Beau Chaffee
• 2021 - Covid Season
• 2022 - Jack Boyce
• 2023 - Brandon Hubbard